How Stress Impacts Hormone Health.

Understanding the Pregnenolone Steal: How Stress Impacts Hormonal Health

Have you ever wondered about the intricate ways stress affects hormone balance? In this article, we'll explore one crucial mechanism called the pregnenolone steal, shedding light on why managing stress is paramount for optimal hormonal health, particularly for those on the journey to conception (which can sometimes be stressful in itself).

Let's start with cholesterol – the often-discussed element in conversations about heart health. Cholesterol, obtained both from our diet and synthesised within our bodies, plays a vital role. It serves as the precursor for sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and Vitamin D.

The Hormonal Cascade.

This is the hormonal cascade, responsible for the synthesis of sex hormones. When functioning correctly, the body converts cholesterol into various reproductive hormones through a series of conversions starting with pregnenolone.

In the hormonal cascade, cholesterol transforms into pregnenolone, a precursor to progesterone (our calming post-ovulatory hormone) and DHEA (which contributes to the production of androgens and oestrogens). Pregnenolone also serves as a precursor to cortisol, our stress hormone.

The predicament arises when stress becomes chronic. Pregnenolone is diverted from the production of sex hormones to meet the demands of increased cortisol during prolonged stress, a phenomenon aptly named the pregnenolone steal.

The Pregnenolone Steal.

In times of chronic high stress, cortisol effectively steals pregnenolone for its own purposes, which blocks or reduces sex hormone synthesis, resulting in deficient hormones and hormone imbalances.

This diversion from DHEA production leads to reduced levels of crucial downstream hormones like testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. Low levels of these hormones can manifest as various symptoms, including diminished ovulation, menstrual irregularities, low libido, and, significantly, can contribute to issues with fertility.

Empowering ourselves with knowledge is key to making positive changes in our behaviors and habits. To address the pregnenolone steal and reduce cortisol, consider exploring strategies outlined in my article on cortisol reduction HERE.

As a hormonal health naturopath, I offer a comprehensive approach, utilising both hormone and functional testing in my clinic. If you're interested in delving deeper into your hormonal health, click to book an appointment with me. Knowledge is power, and together, we can work towards achieving hormonal balance.